Apologies were received from Dr Andrew Otley

Apologies were received from Dr Andrew Otley

There were no declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 September 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the held on 23 November 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

Covid-19 in Merton:

4a) Situation Assessment Report

4b) Vaccination update

4c) Post Covid Syndrome

Situation Assessment Report

The Director of Public Health presented the situation assessment report.

The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

The Director of Public Health reported infection rates were undulating, and now on the rise, so higher than those on the slides.

There was an increase of infections among young people, especially the under 10s, including in primary schools. The Director of Public Health thanked colleagues, school teachers and staff who had been brilliant in coping.  Hospitalisations were stable though hospitals remained very busy. The roll out of vaccination and boosters continued and work was taking place with schools and families to help address low vaccine intake among the 12 to 15 year old age group. It seems likely that boosters will be annual in the future and it is anticipated that confirmation on vaccination for the over 5 year olds would be received in January, following the US. Recommendations remained for mask wearing in communal areas, maintaining social distancing and regular washing of hands.

Health on the Highstreet

The Director of Public Health presented on Health on the Highstreet.

The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

In response to questions on location, the Director of Public health advised that the initial approach would include pop up services. She welcomed the Board’s views on what should be contained in the pop up venue. Members welcomed the inclusive approach as a way of targeting all communities including those that are more disadvantaged. Services should be suited to individual and local community needs, for example: diabetes and healthy eating support; drug and alcohol rehabilitation services; digital health services; and, support for children and young people’s mental health. It could also be an opportunity for intergenerational work.

Health on the High Street is not intended to offer traditional GP services and there is scope across Merton’s seven libraries to develop hubs. The pop up is a pilot scheme and we will learn as it develops. It was noted that it would be of benefit if locations were visible on the high street, as feedback from Your Merton had emphasised resident’s wish to ‘reclaim their high streets’. The Director of Public Health confirmed that we keep an open mind and listen to local communities and involve them as much as possible, so that Health on the Highstreet responds to local need. Work is underway and is hoped that pilot projects will be realised in the new year.

Post COVID Syndrome

The Director of Public Health presented on Post COVID Syndrome (PCS).

The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

In response to questions it was agreed that those people seeking support may not be fully representative of those experiencing PCS. It was questioned how the data is captured, and confirmed that currently only patients coming to the CLCH service are counted, though analysis is developing. It was agreed that further engagement and communication on PCS, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Director of Environment and Regeneration presented slides on Your Merton.

The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

The Director of Public Health welcomed the report and said that Merton is fortunate to have the Director of Environment and Regeneration on the Health and Wellbeing Board as it allows members to better focus on the co-benefits of climate change and health. She referenced the work of the Board to tackle diabetes as a whole systems approach and sees future opportunities to work in a similar way to tackle climate change, possibly involving children and young people and schools.

The poor eating options on Mitcham and Morden high streets were raised and the Director of Environment and Regeneration confirmed that work is currently taking place to try to address these issues, including improving footfall, but fragmented ownership in Mitcham is particularly challenging. The Chair confirmed that the Board would revisit healthy weight at its next meeting.

6 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE RECOVERY PRIORITIES

Merton Local Health and Care Plan Refresh

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG presented on Merton Local Health and Care Plan Refresh.The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

He said that the Local Health and Care Plan sits alongside the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2019-24. He confirmed that behind the summary document that had been circulated to members, there is a more detailed plan which will be reported to Merton Health and Care Together. Delivery of the plan will involve working with community leaders to reach into all communities across Merton. The Chair observed that the plan reflected much of what had been discussed by the Board and welcomed the accessible summary. The Manager of Healthwatch Merton suggested it would be helpful to have an easy read version, especially for those that might have a visual impairment, and it was agreed that this aspect would be addressed.

RESVOLED: to agree the draft Local Health and Care Plan Refresh Summary 2021

Better Care Fund

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG presented on the Better Care Fund.The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

RESOLVED: to agree the Better Care Fund Plan 2021

Integrated Care System (ICS)

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG presented on the Integrated Care System.The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

ACTION

The Board was asked to take away the slides for consideration in order to discuss at the next meeting. With reference to the slides attached to these minutes,  Board members are asked to prepare to discuss on 25^th January 2022:

Consideration 1                   

Are there any questions about the recommended borough committee structure recommended for 1st April 2021, and is there feedback on the right governance structure for Merton to consider beyond the 1st April 2021?

Consideration 2       

Have we missed any organisation, group, person or body from the membership of the borough committee that we should consider?

Consideration3How do we ensure Health and Wellbeing Board and local stakeholders are aligned, 

integrated, constructive  and robust?

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG said that the Board and Merton Health and Care Together are both well established and demonstrate a strong partnership ethos and that the new borough committee will seek to complement that.

Mitcham Health and Wellbeing Hub

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG presented on the Mitcham Health and Wellbeing Hub. The slides from this presentation are attached to these minutes.

He reported that funding is now confirmed and that a full business case is currently being worked on, with the Wilson the preferred option, which he hopes to be confirmed in the new year. The Programme Board has now met twice. The Wilson is currently active as a vaccination centre as well as offering wider wellbeing services including a community guardian.

NHS Green Plan

The Locality Executive Director Merton and Wandsworth CCG  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.